Wayne Swan speaks out on tax avoidance

Former treasurer Wayne Swan has called on the Australian business community to speak out against unethical tax evasion by multinational companies.

In a rare media appearance on Thursday, the now Labor backbencher labelled the government's anti-avoidance measures as mere "embroidery" and says dramatic action is needed.

It follows tax commissioner Chris Jordan's appearance at a Senate estimates hearing, in which he called time on the delaying tactics of a group of international companies that are "gaming the system".

"We need the government and the Business Council of Australia to get off the GST tram, which is all about ripping money off low and middle income earners, and make sure these very profitable companies pay their fair share to the Australian people," Mr Swan told reporters in Canberra.

Rampant tax evasion had to be dealt with first before there could be any sensible debate about the fair collection of commonwealth revenue.

"Because it is leaching our budget," he said.